BBC to Scale the Heights with Live, HD Broadcast of Rock Climb

The BBC is to broadcast, live and in High Definition, the attempted scaling of two of Scotland's toughest rock climbs.

Independent TV production company, Triple Echo – which makes The Adventure Show for BBC Scotland – is to film two well-known climbers attempting to climb Sron Uladail, on the Isle of Harris and renowned as one of the toughest rock faces in the world.

Dave Macleod and Tim Emmett will tackle the daunting overhanging crag in one of the largest outside broadcasts to be mounted in the Outer Hebrides.

The dramatic ascent will be transmitted on Saturday, August 28 on the BBC HD Channel and BBC 2 Scotland for six hours.

It's understood the event will be a first, in terms of using HD technology for a live, outside broadcast.

Permission for the programme was granted on the basis that the producers agree a leave-no-trace commitment to protect the fragile local environment, with much equipment being flown in to prevent any erosion to the mountain trails and rare plant communities that live on them.

Says David Harron, Head of Television Sport at BBC Scotland: “This promises to be a memorable televisual event, combining physical drama and spectacular scenery with leading edge broadcast technology. It will be a landmark project in its scale and ambition which we hope will provide a compelling viewing experience.”